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Published on: December 22, 2023
Injection sclerotherapy for varicose veins
1Bedford Hospital, Department of Vascular Surgery, Kempston Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, UK. pvtisi@rcsed.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 21, 2006
Summary
Injection sclerotherapy effectively treats varicose veins and thread veins, with no significant differences found between various sclerosants, formulations, or compression methods. Evidence supports its use for recurrent varicose veins and cosmetic concerns.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Dermatology
- Phlebology
Background:
- Injection sclerotherapy is a common treatment for superficial varicose veins and thread veins.
- The procedure aims to close off the vein lumen, but evidence on its effectiveness is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sclerotherapy in improving varicose vein symptoms and cosmetic appearance.
- To assess complication rates and recurrence of varicose veins after sclerotherapy.
- To compare different sclerotherapy agents, formulations, and compression techniques.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
- Searches included major databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE) up to April 2006.
- Studies compared sclerotherapy to compression stockings, observation, or different sclerotherapy parameters.
Main Results:
- Seventeen RCTs were included in the review.
- Sclerotherapy improved symptoms and appearance in one study compared to compression stockings during pregnancy.
- No significant differences in outcomes or complications were found when comparing different sclerosants (e.g., sodium tetradecyl sulphate vs. polidocanol), foam vs. liquid formulations, or compression durations.
Conclusions:
- The choice of sclerosant, dose, formulation, or compression method does not significantly impact sclerotherapy efficacy for varicose veins.
- Evidence supports the current role of sclerotherapy, particularly for recurrent varicose veins post-surgery and thread veins.
- Further research is needed to compare surgery directly with sclerotherapy.
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